Hundreds Stroll Musical Lyme Street to Celebrate Solstice

By Olwen Logan

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June 22, 2023

Played in front of the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme, the music of ‘The Midnight Anthem’ inspired this family to take to their feet and dance spontaneously.

OLD LYME — UPDATED 6/23: It was a night for the ages.

The always-popular Braiden Sunshine and friend drew an enthusiastic crowd on the Center School lawn.

The weather was perfect, the music was engaging and hundreds of people came out to enjoy ‘Make Music Old Lyme.’

‘Three’s a Charm’ delighted its changing audience with tunes galore.

Lisa Aranci played and sang on the front lawn of 31 Lyme Street. Photo by James Meehan.

People slowly strolled Lyme Street in Old Lyme stopping on some occasions to chat with friends and on others to listen to a variety of bands and solo artists playing a range of different genres of music.

The Old Lyme Town Band played some old favorites in front of Lyme Academy of Fine Arts. Photo by C.Poirier.

John Brown & Friends were a popular band playing in front of The Cooley Gallery. Photo by James Meehan.

It was an evening that not only emanated joy and laughter but was also devoid of any pressure to make purchases.

The Lyme-Old Lyme Lions worked hard to serve up a variety of delicious refreshments.

The music and songs of ‘Hot Strings Café’ were a big draw. Photo by James Meehan.

Refreshments were cheerfully served in front of Center School by the Lyme-Old Lyme Lions and also available at both the Old Lyme Ice Cream Shoppe and a van hosted by Gather.

‘The Midnight Anthem’ gave a spirited performance of their engaging music. Photo by James Meehan.

There was a lively crowd at Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds for the evening’s finale. Photo by A. Fenton.

The finale of the event was a well-attended and enthusiastic Make Music Jam Session at Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds.

JZ and Company performed in front of The Old Lyme Ice Cream Shoppe. Photo by James Meehan.

It seemed all agreed that it was indeed a warm and wonderful night.

Author

Olwen Logan grew up in a family of London educators but was inspired by her great grandfather, influential Daily Chronicle newspaper editor Alfred Ewen Fletcher, to pursue journalism. She built a successful career in efficiency analysis and senior audit management before launching her own PR-focused consultancy. After moving to the U.S. in 1990 and settling in Old Lyme in 1994, she became a staff writer for the now-closed Main Street News and later joined Jack Turner’s fledgling LymeLine.com, discovering the career she had always wanted—albeit in an unexpected digital form. Even after relocating to Maryland, she continued covering Lyme and Old Lyme with the same dedication, earning national recognition as a LION Publishers award finalist in 2020. After more than two decades of service, Olwen stepped away in November 2025, donating LymeLine.com to the newly formed nonprofit LymeLine Inc. and expressing her excitement for its continued growth and mission.